Lark Street, Albany

Lark Street is a historic and vibrant corridor that traverses the Arbor Hill, Sheridan Hollow, Center Square, Park South, and Hudson/Park neighborhoods. Known for its eclectic mix of independently owned shops, coffee houses, restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, marketing agencies, bars, and tattoo shops, Lark Street has become a cultural hub in the city.

A significant contributor to Lark Street's cultural landscape is the Upstate Artists Guild (UAG), which has been instrumental in attracting more galleries and studios to downtown Albany and Troy. Their efforts, along with those of other artists and organizations, have transformed many of Lark Street's historic apartment buildings into vibrant galleries and studios. This creative atmosphere is enhanced by the variety of shops offering contemporary art, antiques, jewelry, vintage clothing, flowers, books, and wine, many of which are tucked into charming basement-level or second-story storefronts.

Lark Street's culinary scene is equally diverse, featuring an array of restaurants and eateries that serve Tex-Mex, Greek, Thai, Indian, Hunan, Italian, and Japanese cuisine. Notably, the original Bombers Burrito Bar franchise is a beloved fixture on Lark Street. Additionally, the nearby Washington Avenue Armory at the corner of Lark Street and Washington Avenue adds to the area's vibrancy by hosting various sporting events and rock concerts, making it a focal point for entertainment.

The street's rich musical heritage is evident in the frequent performances by prominent local musicians, such as jazz saxophonist and bandleader Brian Patneaude, Thomasina Winslow, her late father Tom Winslow, and the band Sirsy. The eba Theater, located at 351 Hudson Avenue, is one of the oldest buildings on Lark Street and serves as a testament to the street's long-standing connection to the arts.